Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am taking this issue on behalf of the Minister of State, Deputy Finian McGrath. I have just been made aware of the letter referred to by Deputy O'Dowd and perhaps I will get a chance to deal with that shortly.

I thank Deputy O'Dowd for raising this important issue and for giving me the opportunity to outline the position in regard to the provision of respite services in County Louth. As the Deputy is aware, the Government's ongoing priority is the safeguarding of vulnerable people in the care of the health service. We are committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities, which will empower them to live independent lives. As part of its ongoing service provision, this year the HSE will provide over 182,000 respite nights and 42,500 day respite sessions to families in need right across the country.

Both the Minister of State, Deputy McGrath, and the Minister, Deputy Harris, accept the urgent need for increased respite care throughout the country, which is why an additional €10 million has been secured to specifically enhance respite care in the disability sector. In terms of respite houses, €8 million will be used to provide ten new dedicated respite houses which are coming on stream this year. There is one in each HSE community health organisation, CHO, area and three in the greater Dublin area, which will add 19,000 extra respite nights in a full year. In addition, a further €2 million extra funding will be used for innovative respite solutions, such as home sharing and extended day services, in order to provide assistance where people need it most.

Following the necessary procurement process, the HSE will work with HIQA to ensure registration of these facilities in a timely manner. Obviously, this all takes time but I can assure the House that every effort will be made to bring these additional services on stream as soon as possible. Many people with disabilities are being cared for by very elderly parents who are finding it very hard to cope. Other carers simply do not have the hours in the day to look after the other members of their families and, as importantly, their own health and well-being.

The Minister of State, Deputy McGrath, has made it clear this money must be ring-fenced for respite services within the disability sector and must be targeted at those who are most in need. The provision of respite services has come under additional pressure in recent years. More children and adults are now seeking access to respite and the changing needs of people with a disability are also having an impact as they, along with the rest of the population, live longer lives. A Programme for a Partnership Government recognises the need for respite services to be developed further and we are fully committed to ensuring this happens.

In the context of respite services in County Louth, discussions are ongoing at CHO area 8 level regarding the emerging need for additional respite services and the options to be developed to meet these needs. The HSE continues to work with agencies to explore various ways of responding to this need in line with the budget available. The additional funding for 2018 will include the development of respite services in CHO area 8, including County Louth. Scoping out the most effective way of commissioning respite services as part of this new money will be an immediate priority for the HSE in order to ensure services are brought on stream without delay. The Deputy will appreciate that proposals can only be considered within the funding available to the HSE and must adhere to a rigorous procurement process.

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